Dominic Cummings poisoned the atmosphere' of Boris Johnson's No 10, Covid inquiry finds

"Dominic Cummings poisoned the atmosphere of Boris Johnson's Downing Street during the Covid crisis, the official inquiry into the pandemic has found, saying he helped create a toxic and macho culture with the full connivance of the then prime minister. Johnson's chief aide strayed far from the proper role of a special adviser, the report found, making key decisions in 10 Downing Street which were for the prime minister to make."

"Many of the most damning elements of the report from the inquiry's second module, on the role of government in the pandemic, centre on what is painted as a strident and abrasive environment, often instigated by Cummings. By failing to tackle this chaotic culture and, at times, actively encouraging it Mr Johnson reinforced a culture in which the loudest voices prevailed and the views of other colleagues, particularly women, often went ignored, the report concludes."

"which heard testimony about misogynistic and abusive language and the routine belittling of some ministers and advisers. The report firmly counters Johnson's insistence that this helped get things done. Those at the centre of making hugely difficult decisions about Covid were working under significant psychological stress and pressure, the report says. However, as a result of the poor culture at the centre of the UK government, the quality of advice and decision-making suffered."

Dominic Cummings poisoned the atmosphere of Downing Street during the Covid crisis, creating a toxic and macho culture with the connivance of the prime minister. As chief aide he strayed far beyond the proper role of a special adviser, making key decisions that should have been for the prime minister to make. The environment became strident and abrasive, with misogynistic and abusive language and routine belittling of ministers and advisers. By failing to challenge and at times encouraging that chaos, the prime minister reinforced a culture where loud voices prevailed, women were often ignored, and decision-making and quality of advice suffered under psychological stress.

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